Mixing valve construction



June 23, 1953 R. M. LOTTES 2,642,893

MIXING VALVE CONSTRUCTION Filed Ndv. 14, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 4/ 39 l/vvsw TOE:

Ric/MR0 M. Larrss,

June 23, 1953 M, -r55 MIXING VALVE CONSTRUCTION 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 14, 1947 Patented June 23, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MIXING VALVE CONSTRUCTION Richard Murray Lottes, St. Louis, Mo. Application November 14, 1947, Serial No. 785,940

11 Claims. 1

The present invention relates generally to valve constructions, and more particularly to a valve construction incorporating two valves actuated by a single member for both simultaneous and independent action thereof.

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel valve construction in which two valves are operated by a single operating handle.

Another object is to provide a novel valve construction incorporating two rotatable valve elements which are readily and effectively individually or simultaneously rotated by a single operating member connected to the rotatable valve elements by a pair of links.

Another object is to provide a novel valve construction of the hot and cold fluid delivery type in which two valve elements are manipulated by a wobble stick type actuator and in which the connecting means between the actuator and valve elements is highly simplified, yet extremely eflicient.

Another object is to provide a novel valve construction incorporating two rotatable valve ele: ments and a wobble stick actuator in which a pair of slotted links of arcuate form are employed to transmitmovement of the wobble stick to the valve elements for individual or simultaneous rotation thereof.

Another object is to provide a .novel actuator and actuated elements construction incorporating a wobble stick actuator and a pair of links which is capable of wide application.

Other objects are to provide a novel Valve construction which is compact, which is inexpensive to manufacture, which is readily formed and is of a simplified nature, which is employed by a user in obtaining hot or cold liquid or liquid at an in-between temperature through manipulation of a single actuator, which lends itself to esthetic applicationin bathrooms, kitchens, and the like, and which is designed for long service in conjunction with the usual type of washer now employed in similar construction.

Other objects and advantages are apparent from the following description taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a valve construction formed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view on substantially the line 2-2 of Fig. 1, the actuator being shown in elevation except for a portion broken away to illustrate a structural detail;

Fig. 3 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view on substantially the line 3-3 of Fig. 1,1001;-

ing forwardly in the direction of the arrows, the actuator being shown in elevation; r

Fig. 4 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view on substantially the line 44 of Fig. 1, looking rearwardly in the direction of the arrows, the actuator being shown in elevation and a portion of the housing being broken away to illustrate structural details;

Fig. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 55 of Fig. l, the actuator being shown in elevation with the top portion broken away for conservation of space;

Fig. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view on substantially the line 6-6 of Fig. l, the actuator being shown in elevation and the top portion thereof being broken away for conservation of space;

Fig. 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view on substantially the line 'I--1 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a plan view of a valve element and associated connecting link;

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view thereof;

Figs. 10, 11, 12 and 13 are diagrammatic views of two valves, two connecting links, and the link engaging lower end of the actuator, illustrating the extreme movement positions of the several parts;

Fig. 14 is a plan View of avalve element and a modified connecting link; and

Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic view of two valves, two modified connecting links, and the connecting link engaging lower end of the actuator, this view being similar to Fig. 10.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numerals, indicates generally a valve construction incorporating the concepts of the present invention. Broadly, the valve construction 20 includes a housing 22, two rotatable valve elements 24 and 25 mounted in the housing, connecting links 21 and 28, an actuator 30, and a housing cover 32 which supports the actuator 39.

More specifically, the housing 22, in a preferred embodiment, includes a depending portion 35, which is divided into two inlet chambers 35 and 3! by a central partition wall 38. A threaded inlet opening 39 is provided in the outer wall or" each chamber 36 and 31, which threadedly receive a hot water inlet pipe 40 and a cold water inlet pipe 4|, by way of example (Fig. 4).

Above the depending portion 35 is an upper portion which is formed to define a rear mixing chamber 46 and a forward liquid delivery spout 4?. Depending from the upper portion 45 is an annular threaded skirt 49 by means of which the valve construction 20 is mounted in conjunction with a wash basin, or the like.

Angular partition webs 50 and 5! extend outwardly from the sides of the partition wall 38 near the upper edge thereof which separate the chambers 38 and 31, respectively, from the chamber 46 (Figs. 2, 5 and 6). Annular openings 52 and 53 are formed in the webs 58 and 5|, respectively. At the rear of the mixing chamber 48 in a centrally located block 58 are two angularly directed threaded bores 54 and 55 which are concentric with and spaced from the apertures 52 and 53, respectively. The pitch of the threading of the bores 54 and 55 is large.

Rotatably disposed within the bores 54 and 55 are the threaded valve elements 24 and 25, respecnovel valve construction 20. In Fig. 10, both valve elements 24 and 25 are closed, in which case the links 21 and 28 are engaged by the stem portion 11 in the positions shown. To open the valve element 25 without affecting the valve element 24, the stem portion 11 is moved along the slot 66 of the link 28 from its position of Fig. 10, which, as is clear from Fig. 11, rotates the link 21 clockwise to open the valve element 25. To open the valve. element. 24., the lower stem portion 11 is moved along the slot 86 of the link' 21 from its position of Fig. 10, which, referring to Fig. 12,

- rotates the link 28 counterclockwise to open the tively, which close the openings -52--and 53, re.-

spectively, in seated positions. The valve elements 24 and 25 are identical, except in having opposite threading and in the position .of the. head of a link mounting screw 51. Each rotatable valve element 24 and 25 includes a-cylin v drical body 58 (Fig. 9), a continuous thread 59, a. washer 80 secured to the lower end bya suitable screw BI, and the screw '51. which threadedly engages the upper endof the cylindrical body 58, to secure thereto the respective links 21 and 28. For a purpose. described below. a spacer washer 63 is disposed between thezupper end of the rotatable valve element .25 and its as.- sociated connecting link 21.

The two links 21 and .28 are. identical. Preferably, each is of the configuration clearly shown in Figs. 8 and 9 and includes an arcuate body portion 85, in which there are formed an elongated slot 86 and an aperture. .61. 'Manifestly, the screw 51 of each valve element 24 and 25 extends through the aperture 61 tov secure the links 21 and 28 to their respective valve elements. The links 21 and 28 are concentric to prevent clashing and blocking in the several movements thereof.

The cover 32 threadedlyengages a threaded flange portion 10 of the upper portion 45 of the housing 22, and is formed with a-central annular seat 1-! of arcuate cross section surrounding an opening 12 extending through the cover 32'. Outwardly of the seat 1| is a threaded annular wall 13. The portion 18 is large enough to permit installation or removal of a valve element 24 or 25 with its attached links 21- and 28, respectively.

The actuator 30 includes a ball 15 which rests on the seat 11. Extending diametrically from the ball 15 are stem portions 16 and T1, the former of which threadedly' receives an actuating knob 18. The stem portion 18' and 11 may be an integral member or separate elements. The lower stem portion 11 extends through the elongated slots 56' in the links 21 and '28, the links 2'! and 28 being concentric with the ball 15in the drawings, a preferred though not required relation. A threaded plug 80 maintains the .ball 15 in position on the seat H, a suitable sealing washer 3! being provided to prevent leakage.

It is to be noted from Figs. 1, 5 and 6 that the valve elements 24 and 25 are radially disposed in respect to the ball 15'of the actuator which is a preferred disposition.

In Figs. 14 and 15 are shown modified links 85 and 88, which are identical and which differ from the links 21 and 28 in that they are arcuate in plan as well as in elevation.

Operation In Figs. 10 through 13, there is diagrammatically illustrated the. operation of the present I valve element. 24. To open both valve elements 24 and 25 an equal amount, the lower stem element 1-1 is moved inwardly towards the valve elements; 2.4 and 25, from its position of Fig. 10 along a vertical center line drawn between the saidvalveelements, as is clear from Fig. 13. To open both valve elements 24 and 25, but to open one. agreater degree-than the-other, it isv butnecessary to deviate. the path of the. lower .stem element 1.1 to the right or to the let-tot the center line followed inopening both .of said valve elements the same amount.

As is .clear from the. drawings, the link 28. is spaced, from the link 21 when both valve elements 24 and 25 are in closed position-by the washer 8.3. This is done. in order to permit unseating rotation of the valve element 24 in its opening movement without clashing engagement with the link. 21 when it is desired. to open-only the. valve element 24.

The initial relationship of the lower stem por tion 11 to the slots. 68 of the. links 2:1 and 28 is such as to allow av small. clearance at the-ends of the slots outwardly of the valve elements, 2.4 and .25 when the valve elements :24 and 25. are in closed position. .(Fig- 10-). Hence, as the washers 80 wear in the normal use of the valve construction 20, the portion 11 may be moved to the right (Fig. 10-) to effect closing of the valve elements 24 and 25 to gradually utilize this provided clearance. The subsequent bodily movement of the valve elements 24 and .25 away from the lower stem portion 11 as the washers 68' wear only compensates slightly for such wear. Manifestly, were no clearance allowed as shown, the valve construction 20 would shortly become ineffective to close.

The actuator 30 is formed as a wobble stick member and, as is clear from the-foregoing explanation and the drawings, has'an outside modified triangular movement, since the lower stem portion 11 may move from its position of Fig; 10 along the slot 6801' link- 28' to its position of Fig; 11, then substantially across to its position of Fig. 12, and thence back to its position of 10 along the slot 68 of' the link 21., Interior movement is, of course, provided in order to effeet a hot-cold fluid flow in the proportions desired.

The link construction shown in Figall. and 15 functions the same in over-all operationv as the link construction of, Figs. lthrough 13. How'- ever, a greater degree of rotation may be obtained for the valve elements 24 and 2 5. by the links and 86, since the advantage of the, arcuate slots 88. thereof is utilized. This construction may be employed where pressure inv a water system, or the like, is quite. low and maximum opening of the valve elements is essential.

It is to be noted that the actuator 30 and. the links 21 and 28 form a construction capable of wide use apart from the embodiment. disclosed.

For example, a pair of rheostats or .two motors could be controlled thereby.

It ismanifest that there has been provided a valve construction which fulfillsall of the objects and advantages sought therefor, and an actuator construction capable of wide ap lication. 7

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings have been given by way of illustration and example. It is also to be understood that changes'in form and utility of the elements, rearrangement of parts, and substitution of equivalent elements, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. Valve constructioncomprising, in combination, a pair of threaded rotatable valve elements controlling separate fluid passages, said elements being angularly disposed relative to each other so that their extended axes of rotation meet in a single point, an actuator mounted for universal pivotal movement about said single point for se lectively moving said valve elements, supporting means for said elements and said actuator, and a link connected to each of said valve elements for movement therewith, both links being connected to said actuator for pivotal movement thereof by said actuator.

2. Valve construction comprising, in combination, a pair of threaded rotatable valve elements controlling separate fluid passages, said elements being angularly disposed relative to each other so that their extended axes of rotation meet in a single point, an actuator mounted for universal pivotal movement about said single point for selectively moving said valve elements, supporting means for said elements and said actuator, and a link connected to each of said valve elements for movement therewith, both links being connected to said actuator for selective individual and simultaneous pivotal movement thereof.

3. Valve construction comprising, in combination, a pair of movable valve elements controlling separate fluid passages, said elements being angularly disposed relative to each other so that their extended axes of movement meet in a single point, an actuator mounted for universal pivotal movement about said single point, supporting means for said elements and said actuator, a link connected to each of said valve elements for movement therewith, and means including a slidable connection between each of said links and the actuator for selective pivotal movement of said links upon movement of the actuator.

4. Valve construction comprising, in combination, a pair of valve elements controlling separate fluid passages, an actuator for selectively moving said valve elements of the wobble stick type including a center of movement, said valve elements being mounted for movement bodily radially of said center of movement of said actuator, means supporting said elements and said actuator in spaced relation for relative movement therebetween, and a link connected to each of said valve elements for movement therewith, both links including a longitudinal slot slidingly receiving a portion of said actuator for pivotal movement thereof by said actuator, both links also being arcuate in form and disposed substantially concentric with said center of movement of said actuator.

5. Valve construction comprising, in combination, a. pair of valve elements controlling separate fluid passages, an actuator for selectively moving said valve elements of the wobble stick type including a center of movement, said valve elements being mounted for movement bodily radially of said center of movement of said actuator, means supporting said elements and said actuator in spacedv relations for relative movement therebetween, and a link connected to each of said valve elements for movement therewith, both link including a longitudinal slot slidingly receiving a portion of said actuator for pivotal movement thereof by said actuator, both links also being arcuate in form and disposed substantially concentric with said center of movement of said actuator, the longitudinal slots of both links being arcuate.

6. Valve construction comprising a housing including, two separated fluid inlets, a closure valve element mounted in each inlet for helical rotation about angularly disposed individual axes, a single control member for said valve elements, said control member having extensions both inside and outside of the housing and a pair of identical links disposed within the housing directly connecting said valve elements and said control member for rotative movement of either or both valve elements by said control member, each of said links extending through a respective one of said individual axes and having a slidable connection with said control member.

'7. Valve construction comprising a housing, a pair of valve elements mounted within the housing for individual rectilinear movement therein, a single actuator mounted in the housing for universal pivotable movement about a single pivot point therein, and individual link members disposed within the housing and interconnecting the respective valve elements with the actuator, said link members being in contiguous relation at their connection with the actuator.

8. Valve construction comprising a housing, a pair of valve elements mounted within the housing for individual rectilinear movement therein, a single actuator mounted in the housing for universal pivotal movement about a single pivot point therein, an elongated stem portion on the actuator disposed within the housing, and individual link members disposed within the housing and interconnecting the respective valve elements with said elongated stem portion, said link members being in contiguous relation at their connection with said stem portion.

9. Valve construction comprising a housing, a pair of valve elements mounted within the housing for individual rectilinear movement therein, a single actuator mounted in the housing for universal pivotable movement about a single pivot point therein, an elongated stem portion on the actuator disposed within the housing, and individual arcuate link members secured to the respective valve elements, said link members being disposed within the housing in concentricity with said pivot point and having respective juxtaposed connections with said stem portion.

10. Valve construction comprising a housing, a pair of valve elements mounted within the housing for individual rectilinear movement therein, a single actuator mounted in the housing for universal pivotable movement about a single pivot point therein, an elongated stem portion on the actuator disposed within the housing, and individual link members disposed within the housing in contiguous relation and secured to the respective valve elements, each of said link members having a slot engaged by said stem portion.

11. valve constrnctionscomprisingachousinz,.. a pair of valve elements mountedxwithinmherhonsing for individual rectilinear movement therein, :a. single actuator mounted in the housingforzuniversal ,pivotable movementabout a single pivot point therein, an elongated: stem ;portion son" the actuator disposed within the housing, and-in- ?dividual link members disposed within thesrhousing'in contiguous relation andsecuredto therespective valve elements, each of said link members having an arcuateslottherein, eachtof said slots being slidably engaged by saidstemportion.

RICHARD MURRAY. LOTTES.

References Cited .in the file of this; patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number :Number Number :lname :Date Boutwellw .;Sept. 30, 1913 :Meier Jan.:'3, 1922 fCompton Dec. 2, 1924 1.'I'emple Feb. .19, 1935 :Kryzanowsky Mar. 17, 1936 LaZEmmtain Apr. 28, 1936 rsedlon .Mar. 7, 1939 Cochran June '25, 1940 .;Argo vDec;' 9,119.41 .Mcien Nov. .10, 1942 Feb. 25, $19.47 LiHarr v F'eb.. 25, 1947 "KuhIman, May ,1, 1951 FOREIGNTA'I'ENTS Country iDafle 

